What does the WWI Grenadier Guards acronym ‘Td.S’ mean?
Q I was delighted to find a previously unknown photo of my grandfather, Henry Griggs, in a photograph of a group of Grenadiers dated 1917 from a random online search. He is standing in the front row, far right, wearing two (inverted) long service chevrons. Whilst all the others have recognisable ranks, the letters ‘Td.S’ prior to his name is a conundrum after checking all WWI sites that provide abbreviation and acronym meanings. By 1918 he had transferred to the Royal Engineers Inland Water Transport Division, finishing the war as a sergeant, which might explain the designation, but his war records were destroyed. I also hope that the other names may be of use to other readers.
Steve Clark
A The photograph presents as a 1917 Grenadier Guards recruit training squad at their graduation, with the squad instructor (Sergeant Woolridge) seated centrally in the front row.
Course Assistants
Not immediately obvious, there are actually two other course assistants in addition to Corporal Baily, the Gym Instructor and Drummer Jennings standing centre back row. These are the two soldiers standing on the flanks, including Henry Griggs (circled) who are actually experienced soldiers, proven in Henry’s case by his two inverted Long Service and Good Conduct chevrons which denote six years’ service.
Traditional Foot Guards Practice
In traditional Foot Guards recruit graduation photographs these
